There are two main types of road freight: less than truckload (LTL), also known as groupage, and full truckload (FTL). LTL means shipping cargo from several different clients in one truck, while FTL means the entire vehicle is dedicated to a single shipper. TRASKO delivers both LTL and FTL shipments. LTL road freight has its own specifics, which we explain below.
How LTL road freight works
LTL (Less Than Truckload) is a delivery method in which cargo from several different clients is transported in the same vehicle. This is one of TRASKO's core service lines.
The main advantage is cost efficiency: you only pay for the space your cargo occupies, not for the entire truck.
The right format depends on your shipment. Full truckload (FTL) transport makes sense for large volumes that require a dedicated vehicle and a direct route. If your priority is price without losing speed, our LTL delivery service is usually the optimal solution.
TRASKO has been delivering LTL cargo for more than 30 years — it remains one of the company's leading service lines. You can book a shipment to virtually any destination worldwide.
Please note: TRASKO does not deliver cargo within Europe or within China. These regions are served only as part of import to, or export from, Russia and the CIS.
Transport modes available for LTL cargo
TRASKO delivers LTL cargo by road, rail, sea and air. Each mode has its own characteristics, so you can choose the option that fits your budget and deadline:
| Transit time | |
|---|---|
| Road | The fastest land-based delivery method |
| Rail | Faster than sea freight, slower than road or air |
| Air | The fastest delivery method |
| Sea | The slowest delivery method |
| Cost | |
| Road | More expensive than rail or sea, cheaper than air |
| Rail | Higher than sea freight, lower than road and air |
| Air | The most expensive delivery method |
| Sea | The most cost-effective delivery method |
| Road | Rail | Air | Sea | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Transit time | The fastest land-based delivery method | Faster than sea freight, slower than road or air | The fastest delivery method | The slowest delivery method |
| Cost | More expensive than rail or sea, cheaper than air | Higher than sea freight, lower than road and air | The most expensive delivery method | The most cost-effective delivery method |
With TRASKO, you can choose the transport mode that fits your priorities:
- If you need urgent LTL delivery and price is not the main constraint, air freight is the right choice.
- If you want fast delivery at a reasonable cost, road LTL transport is usually the best balance.
- If low cost is your top priority, rail or sea freight will suit you best.
You can also book container shipping — one of the safest transport methods, since cargo inside a container is protected from weather conditions, and the standardized size makes it easy to transfer between different modes of transport without damage.
Container shipments can be delivered by rail, sea or road.
Advantages of LTL shipping
Ship small volumes without overpaying
This is especially beneficial for small and medium-sized businesses that order and sell goods in small batches — there is no reason to pay for an entire truck you don't need.
Reliable, on-schedule transit times
LTL is one of our core service lines, so we run our own consolidated departures and don't wait around for a truck to fill up — shipments leave strictly on schedule.
LTL delivery cost and transit time
Transit time and cost depend on several factors. The primary ones are the distance between the origin and destination, and the transport mode selected.
Transit time is also affected by how quickly the truck is filled with cargo from different clients, and the number of pickup and drop-off points along the route.
Final cost additionally depends on the nature and dimensions of the cargo, and any extra services ordered, such as insurance, customs clearance, or packaging.
Get an estimated cost and transit time for your LTL shipment using our online calculator, or check the reference pricing example below:
For example, LTL road delivery from Germany or Belgium to Moscow takes on average 10–12 days. The cost of shipping one Euro pallet (up to 120×80×230 cm, gross weight up to 600 kg) is €350–400. The same rates apply for Poland and the Netherlands. From Italy, the price is €400–450; from France and Spain, €450–500; from the UK, €550–600; and from Switzerland, €650–700.
Transit times and prices above are indicative — we provide an exact quote once we have the full details of your shipment.
If your route isn't covered by the calculator or the rates above, please contact your account manager for an exact quote.
GET A QUOTETypes of cargo we deliver
We deliver almost any type of small-batch cargo, except personal belongings. Below are just some examples of goods you can ship with us.
Once the contract is signed, we assign a personal account manager who will keep you updated on shipment status and answer any questions about your delivery.
Why work with TRASKO
Streamlined booking process
No need to spend hours on paperwork or figuring out rate tables — our team handles most of the shipping process for you.
Door-to-door pickup and delivery
We can deliver your LTL cargo wherever you need it — to the consignee's warehouse, or directly to their door.
Personal account manager, fast response and expert advice
Your manager is always reachable and stays on top of your shipment status.
Own fleet of trucks and light commercial vehicles
LTL shipments at TRASKO are handled by our own fleet — more than 400 Euro-5 standard trucks, with load capacity of 92 m³ and 108 m³.
Over 30 years of LTL expertise
LTL is one of our core service lines. We deliver consolidated cargo at competitive rates and reliable transit times.
Value-added services
We also offer cargo weighing, labeling and additional packaging.